JOHN Filan's achievement in becoming the first Premiership keeper to save a penalty from Frank Leboeuf raised a talking point. When did an Ewood keeper last save a spot kick, barring shootouts?

It prompted a search through the record books but, according to my stats, it was Tim Flowers in April 1997 against Manchester United.

Flowers saved from Eric Cantona, though United still went on to win the Ewood clash 3-2.

Since then, Alan Shearer has also missed one against Rovers, in the Worthington Cup tie at St James's Park earlier this season. But he shot over - well over - the bar, as opposed to the keeper making a save.

SEATS are currently on sale for next Saturday's Premiership game at West Ham (3pm), priced £22 adults, £15 juniors and senior citizens.

They are situated in the Centenary Stand lower tier, which is behind one of the goals.

Fans should note that it is unlikely tickets will be available on the day of the game.

THE Ewood Blues ISG are running a coach to next Saturday's game at West Ham. Bookings can be made by calling 01254-53182. Cost is £16 per person and the coach departs the Aqueduct car park at 7.30am.

NEXT Wednesday's FA Cup replay against Newcastle will decide whether Rovers have a fixture on Saturday, March 6, or a free weekend.

They were due to entertain Everton on that date - sixth round day - in the Premiership and will still be facing the Merseysiders at Ewood in the cup if they see off Ruud Gullit's side.

The League clash with Everton has been re-arranged for Wednesday, March 10 (7.45pm).

Wimbledon's defeat by Spurs in the semi-finals of the Worthington Cup this week means that the Premiership game against the Dons goes ahead as scheduled on Saturday, March 20.

If that game had been called off because of the Worthington final, it would have meant three weeks without a game for Rovers.

FORMER Rovers winger George Donis, who has been linked with various moves, is back in Greece playing for AEK of Athens.

Donis was wanted by Manchester City and came to England for talks. Speculation also suggested he was on his way to Celtic but neither transfer came off.

THE Ewood ticket office has extra opening hours tomorrow, from 11am-3pm and the close of business is also the cut-off point for season-ticket holders to claim their own seats - at the extra discount - for Wednesday's FA Cup replay against Newcastle.

From Monday, all tickets will be priced £15 adults, £10 concessions.

LATEST Double Your Money Club £500 winner is B Nutter (Blackburn), number 597A.

TICKETS for the re-arranged Premiership game against Everton at Ewood on Wednesday, March 10 (7.45pm) are now on open sale.

Category B prices apply, adults £18-25, concessions £10 where applicable.

Everton have been allocated the Jack Walker Stand side of the Darwen End.

FOLLOWING their good performances at Manchester United last weekend, the Academy teams were both at home to Manchester City this morning.

Next Saturday, February 27, the under-17s are at home to Liverpool (11am) and the under-19s away to Liverpool.

MONDAY'S scheduled Pontin's League Premier Division game at home to Preston has been postponed.

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